One of the greatest ways to ensure that your business continues to grow is to pray specifically through business matters, every day.
If you’re like me, your business was started on a literal prayer and a journey of faith. With fierce determination, we launched out into a season of unknown and started this adventure of self-employment.
But one of the greatest temptations is that we start our journeys with a heart of faith and a hope in what God will do through our businesses, yet we don't operate our business affairs in the same manner.
We rush to conclusions instead of being patient and letting God direct us.
We turn our eyes toward the money instead of the people God has chosen us to steward.
We cheat our way to success instead of building on the foundation of integrity.
What began by faith must be led by faith. If you will align your heart and your gifts with God's will and Word, your business is sure to have magnificent impact.
So, how do you align your heart with God’s heart? How do you pray specifically for your business to have great impact and growth? Here are 10 biblical ways to pray for your business...
1. Pray for Wisdom and Guidance.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
God has given you an open door to abundant wisdom; why would you settle for limited understanding? Why cater to the weak aspirations of embellished dreams, when you can put your faith in something that is concrete and forever settled? In Someone who is concrete and forever settled?
Ask God for wisdom and guidance through every decision, big or small. Don't make a single move on the board of your business without the touch of the Master's hand.
2. Pray for Integrity and Honesty.
“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” (2 Corinthians 8:21)
There are several things that your business can't afford, and the greatest of them is dishonesty. You can make all the money in the world, my friend, but if you’ve lost your integrity, you have nothing left.
Your integrity is what you do when no one is watching, what you whisper when no one is listening.
Pray for the excellence of integrity in everything you do; from the big moves, all the way down to the minute details.
3. Pray for Diligence and Hard Work.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
The Bible said that David encouraged himself in the Lord. Why? Because he knew the importance of the work. This is why he is called a man after God's own heart.
If you stay diligent in a good work, you won’t struggle to find purpose. Pray that God will help you to stay diligent in the work that He has called you to. Give it your very best and watch Him multiply your little into something great!
4. Pray for Blessings and Prosperity.
“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)
Some would argue that it's unbiblical or unwise to ask for wealth. I don't believe this philosophy is aligned with Scripture, especially in regards to a man like Jabez who asked God to enlarge his coast; quite frankly to give him more which he could steward for the sake of God.
Praying for more is okay, but I believe the great addendum must always be for the cause of Christ and the furtherance of the Gospel. When God blesses you with more wealth through your business, it is always for a cause much greater than you. The moment you lose sight of that is the moment you inherit the lie of prosperity culture. Ask God to give you more for His sake and in His time.
5. Pray for Faith and Trust in God.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
There is an insatiable desire to clasp tightly to the things you have created. You desperately slap away the hands that dare to take your most prized possessions and products of your labor. But what if Jesus is the One Who wants your business? Are you willing to give it to him?
What if you’ve seen substantial growth and now it seems that things are running smoothly. Will you hand it over willingly?
One of the hardest things I ever had to do with the first business I started was to give it back to God. It was my baby. Something I was most proud of. But for that very reason, I had to give it up and surrender my vision to God’s.
One day, Jesus may ask you to surrender more than you think you can surrender, but rest assured, His motives are not deceitful. Like the little lad with his lunch, Christ only wants to bless and multiply what you have, for His glory.
6. Pray for Good Relationships with Clients and Team Members.
“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” (Luke 6:31)
Businesses are built on relationships. If you don’t know how to invest in someone and nurture a continuum of trust and communication, then you are inherently alone.
One of the greatest relationship builders you can implement is to pray for those you work with. Write down their specific needs and bring it to the Lord in sincere compassion. When you start to see others through the lens of prayer, you start to see them through the eyes of God.
7. Pray for Protection and Safety.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
You never know what the day (or the devil) is going to throw at you. Whether you are mowing lawns on a zero turn or climbing ladders to repair a roof, you should pray each day for safety for yourself and your team. As we pray in the Robertson household: “Lord, protect our home, our heads, and our hearts.”
8. Pray for Innovation and Creativity.
“And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.” (Exodus 35:31)
If you are the man or woman in charge, you know the pressure of managing a successful business. You bear the stress of keeping all the things from falling apart. And even more, you are often the sole visionary for where your company is headed. This creative pressure can bog one down into a spiral of procrastination and self-doubt.
Pray often that God will give you fresh ideas and vision for your business. Ask Him to put people in your life that will enable momentum with a new perspective and innovative touch.
9. Pray for Patience and Perseverance.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)
Sometimes it is easier to quit than to stay in the race. You are certain to face enormous challenges when growing your business, but with a little determination and a lot of prayer, you can wait out the storms.
Pray for patience when it comes to the growth and stability of your business. Ask God to give you and your team physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength even in the day-to-day grind.
10. Pray for Financial Stewardship.
“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.” (Proverbs 3:9)
In his book, Making Your Business God’s Business, Jeff Buckman (CEO of Buckman’s Inc) prioritizes the standard of giving from a biblical perspective: “God will set in order your giving but even in your giving, you need to bring sanctified business sense to the table. Start by asking the Expert advice – that is the Lord to direct you, and He will. God’s principles are universal, but leads us individually, including on how to give from our business.”
In addition to your ten percent tithe, pray about how much your business can give to mission-minded causes. Are their missionary friends you know that are still searching for financial support? Is there an overwhelming need in your church for a new fellowship hall that you can help with? Whatever God lays on your heart, remember the purpose of your business is to influence others for God and pave the way for the Gospel!
Of course, there are numerous ways to pray for your business, but I hope that these ten will give you a good starting place. Consider posting these verses on your office desk or in your company’s conference room. Whatever you do…PRAY! He is ready and willing to listen.
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